"Fotos" Email Spam

Although I do not know the extent of what is going around. I can at least try to explain what I've found and hopefully help people to understand what this current email spam either tries to do or make you aware of what NOT to do.

You may have received emails in the last little while with the subject line something like "Fotos 04/07" or some other date after the word "Fotos". Most people, after realizing what their email account is doing, try to inform you of NOT opening that email.

What I find funny is the fact that those who originally send out the spam/virus email send you a "DO NOT OPEN" email after the email is sent. And this, after enough time for someone to have already opened the first email. Oh well... what can you do.

Well, something that is being suggested is to follow the suggestions on this link:

http://windowslivehelp.com/solutions/safety/archive/2009/04/29/recent-reports-of-account-hijacks.aspx

So read through that and consider its advice.

However, my advice for you which does not require much work is to just become aware of what is being sent around. If you are unsure of an email, simply DON'T open it. It might have the 'catchiest' subject line, but just don't open it.

If you know your friends well enough, you've probably gotten use to how they write their subjects. Consider this when you receive an email even from your best friend. If the subject line looks odd, don't open it right away and if the friend is online, chat to them about it or give a quick call (if the email looks important).

By not opening an odd email right away and getting into the habit of "double checking" similarities between an actual email and this "odd" one, chances are you will save yourself the hassle of having to deal with a virus.

For those of you who aren't computer savvy, viruses can be a real pain to eliminate. There are all types and strengths and getting rid of them could potentially mean re-formatting your computer and starting from scratch. It's just not worth it.

Another option is to take the subject line, word for word, and enter it into Google to see what comes up. Quite often, what you've searched will show in the results with information about it (should it be harmful) and will give you enough information and knowledge to not open it and just simply delete it.

By becoming more aware of what's going around will help. It does not require you to do a lot of homework and it does not require a lot of work, just become aware and cautious about the odd email you may receive.